Radon is a radioactive gas released by the breakdown of naturally occurring Uranium in the soil. Levels can vary from home to home depending on the soil composition, construction methods, and even the weather. In the homes I’ve inspected, levels have ranged from 0.4 to 42.5 picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends remediation at 4.0 pCi/L and above. According to the Kansas Radon Program, 1 in 4 Kansas homes has high levels of Radon. Remediation in our area usually involves installation of a 3″ PVC pipe into the concrete floor with a fan that pulls out radon and vents it outdoors. Remediation costs generally range from $850 to $1,500.
Home buyers should have a radon test done as part of their home purchasing contract. In View charges $100 for a radon test if it’s performed in conjunction with a whole home inspection. ($125 for a radon test only) If levels come back above 4.0 pCi/L, sellers generally pay for remediation.
In View Inspection utilizes the fastest most professional electronic continuous radon monitoring system available. Radon readings are taken every hour along with temperature, barometric pressure, and several other tamper detection sensors. At the conclusion of the 48 hour test period, readings are collected by smartphone and emailed immediately as a detailed PDF report to our clients and/or their Realtor.
So, even if you’re not personally worried about radon levels, it makes sense to have a remediation system installed as you build or before you purchase a home (if radon levels are high) because anyone buying the home from you, will likely require remediation if levels measure too high.
You can read more about radon from the EPA at:
https://www.epa.gov/…/…/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf
In View Inspection LLC - Manhattan, KS; Wamego, KS 